Banana Shpeel, the Cirque du Soleil entertainment that mixed vaudeville with circus arts, will close sooner than expected — June 27, five weeks after its May 19 opening — at New York City's Beacon Theatre.

Scene from Banana ShpeelPhoto by Kristie Kahns

Previews began April 29. The Manhattan launch had been delayed several times in order to further develop the show. It had its world premiere in Chicago in fall 2009.

A North American tour is promised for fall. David Shiner (Fool Moon, Seussical) devised and directed the production, which was to be a limited engagement at the Beacon to Aug. 29. Sales were softer than expected in New York.

Banana Shpeel features an international cast of 38 performers including the main character of over-the-top producer Schmelky (who was put front-and-center in a last-minute re-branding of the show this spring), played by Broadway veteran Danny Rutigliano, best known for his role as Timon in The Lion King. Assisting Schmelky are two slapstick sidekicks (Daniel Passer and Wayne Wilson) and assistant Margaret (Shereen Hickman).